The Gulf conflict, rising and fluctuating fertiliser and energy prices, and the growing threat of climate change and El Niño have increased the focus on natural farming in India. Natural farming can help farmers reduce dependence on costly chemical fertilisers and other external inputs, lower farming costs, improve soil health, and build more sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural systems. This approach is becoming increasingly important for strengthening Indian agriculture, improving farmers’ income, and reducing dependence on imported agricultural inputs.
Context
About Natural Farming
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- Natural farming is a chemical-free and eco-friendly farming method that reduces farmers’ dependence on costly external inputs. It uses locally available natural resources, crop diversity, mulching, biodiversity and beneficial microorganisms to support healthy crop production.
- The main goal of natural farming in India is to improve soil health, conserve water, reduce farming costs and strengthen climate resilience. It offers a sustainable alternative to conventional agriculture by promoting healthier soils and reducing the excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
- The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is a major government initiative aimed at promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture. It encourages practices such as on-farm biomass recycling, biological pest management, use of indigenous farming techniques and reduced dependence on synthetic agricultural inputs.
- Natural farming is closely linked with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) approach to agroecology, which focuses on making agriculture more sustainable, resilient and environmentally friendly. It promotes crop and farm diversity, recycling of natural resources, efficient use of local inputs, traditional farming knowledge and active participation of farmers. These practices also support circular rural economies by encouraging farmers to reuse locally available resources, reduce waste and lower dependence on costly external inputs.
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Key Practices of Natural Farming
- Beejamrit (Seed Treatment): Beejamrit is a natural seed treatment prepared using ingredients such as cow dung, cow urine, lime, pulse flour and soil. It supports beneficial microbial activity around seeds and helps protect them from certain seed-borne and soil-borne diseases.
- Jeevamrit (Natural Microbial Solution): Jeevamrit is a microbial-rich natural formulation made mainly from cow dung, cow urine and other locally available ingredients. It helps improve soil microbial activity and nutrient availability, supporting healthy root growth and plant development.
- Acchadana (Mulching): Acchadana means covering the soil with crop residues, dry leaves or cover crops. Mulching helps conserve soil moisture, reduce weed growth, prevent soil erosion, improve water retention and support beneficial soil organisms. As organic material decomposes, it also contributes to humus formation and better soil health.
- Whapasa (Moisture Management): Whapasa focuses on maintaining a healthy balance of soil moisture and air around plant roots. Improved soil structure and organic matter help the soil hold water more efficiently while allowing better aeration. This can improve water-use efficiency and crop resilience during drought and dry periods.
Government Initiatives and Key Challenges
India’s agriculture still depends heavily on imported fertilisers, fossil-fuel-based inputs, groundwater and chemical-intensive farming practices. This dependence makes farmers more vulnerable to rising input costs, global supply disruptions, energy price fluctuations and climate-related risks.
To promote sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture, the Government of India has introduced several initiatives:
- National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF): The mission promotes natural farming at the village level by providing farmers with training, awareness programmes, capacity building and support for adopting sustainable farming practices.
- PM-PRANAM: The Prime Minister Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth (PM-PRANAM) encourages States and Union Territories to reduce the use of chemical fertilisers and promote more sustainable agricultural practices.
- State-Level Natural Farming Initiatives: States such as Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Kerala, along with several parts of the Northeastern region, have introduced policies and programmes to promote natural farming, organic agriculture and agroecological practices.
Challenges of Natural Farming in India
Despite increasing government support, natural farming is still practiced on a relatively limited scale in India. Farmers also face challenges such as limited awareness, lack of training, inadequate market support, certification issues and insufficient institutional infrastructure. Unlike the Green Revolution, which benefited from strong support systems for irrigation, fertilisers, improved seeds, credit, procurement and agricultural extension, natural farming is still developing the institutional ecosystem needed for large-scale adoption.
| Natural Farming | Organic Farming |
|---|---|
| Relies mainly on natural ecological processes and uses very few external inputs. | Avoids synthetic chemicals but allows the use of approved organic inputs. |
| Uses locally available farm-based inputs such as Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, crop residues and natural mulching. | May use purchased organic manure, compost, biofertilisers and biopesticides. |
| Production costs are generally lower because most inputs are prepared on the farm itself. | Production costs can be higher because farmers may need to purchase organic inputs and pay certification costs. |
| Formal certification is generally not required for basic adoption, although Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) may be used for certain markets. | Organic certification is often required when selling products as certified organic, especially in premium and export markets. |
| Focuses on creating a self-sustaining farming ecosystem with greater reliance on natural processes. | Focuses on replacing chemical fertilisers and pesticides with organic alternatives. |
| Emphasises low-cost farming, local resources and reduced dependence on external inputs. | Has a stronger market-oriented approach, with opportunities for premium prices and organic exports. |
| Promoted through the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF). | Supported through initiatives such as Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER). |
Major Challenges in Adopting Natural Farming in India
Despite the growing interest in natural farming in India, several challenges need to be addressed before it can be adopted on a large scale.
- Weak Institutional Support: Natural farming still lacks the strong support system that helped the Green Revolution succeed. There is a need for better agricultural research, farmer extension services, trained field workers, bio-input centres, procurement systems and dedicated markets for natural farming products.
- Challenges During the Transition Period: Farmers may face uncertainty in crop yields and income when shifting from conventional farming to natural farming. Without proper technical guidance, training and financial support, this transition can be difficult and may discourage farmers from adopting natural farming practices.
- Need for More Scientific Research: Although many farmers have reported positive results, more region-specific scientific studies are needed to assess the impact of natural farming on crop productivity, soil health, pest management, water use and long-term agricultural sustainability. Greater involvement of ICAR, State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) can help generate reliable evidence and improve farming practices.
- Limited Market Support: Natural farming products do not always receive a price premium or assured procurement. Better market linkages, branding, certification where appropriate and consumer awareness are needed to create stronger economic incentives for farmers.
- Lessons from Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka’s agricultural crisis following the sudden restriction on chemical fertilisers is sometimes cited as an argument against natural farming. However, the experience highlights the importance of gradual transition, scientific planning and institutional preparedness. The key lesson is not simply about natural farming itself, but about the risks of making rapid policy changes without adequate preparation, farmer support and alternative input systems.
Government Support for Natural Farming
The Government of India has already taken several steps to promote natural farming and sustainable agriculture. These initiatives provide a strong foundation for reducing dependence on chemical inputs and making Indian agriculture more climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable.
- National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF): The mission promotes natural farming through farmer training, demonstration farms and cluster-based implementation, helping farmers understand and adopt natural farming practices.
- PM-PRANAM: This initiative encourages States to reduce excessive use of chemical fertilisers and promote more balanced and sustainable fertiliser management.
- NITI Aayog’s Natural Farming Initiatives: NITI Aayog supports the use of research, data and coordination between different government departments to understand natural farming better and expand successful practices.
- MANAGE and Other Institutions: Institutions such as the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) support capacity building, farmer training, awareness and knowledge sharing related to sustainable agriculture.
- International Recognition: Organisations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have highlighted India’s natural farming initiatives as important examples of climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices.
Andhra Pradesh’s Natural Farming Model
- Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) is one of India’s largest and most comprehensive programmes for promoting natural farming and sustainable agriculture. It focuses on helping farmers adopt low-cost, eco-friendly farming practices with strong support from local communities.
- The programme received global recognition through the Food Planet Prize 2026, bringing international attention to Andhra Pradesh’s approach to climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture.
- The experience of APCNF shows that shifting towards natural farming cannot happen overnight. Farmers need continuous training, local community support, regular guidance, strong agricultural extension services and better access to markets.
- The model also highlights the importance of long-term institutional support and investment. Its growth is similar to India’s Self-Help Group (SHG) movement, which began with small-scale initiatives and gradually developed into one of the world’s largest rural livelihood networks through sustained government support, community participation and institutional funding.
Key Lesson
The Andhra Pradesh experience shows that natural farming can be scaled up when farmers are supported over the long term. Strong institutions, community participation, scientific guidance and reliable markets are essential for building a successful natural farming ecosystem in India.
Way Forward
Natural farming should not be viewed simply as an alternative to conventional agriculture. It can be treated as a national strategy for building resilient agriculture and protecting farmers from climate change, global supply disruptions, geopolitical risks and rising fertiliser and energy costs.
Key steps for promoting natural farming in India include:
- Develop village-level natural farming clusters: Create connected clusters of villages where farmers can receive coordinated support for training, inputs, technology, soil management and marketing.
- Build strong farming infrastructure: Set up bio-input resource centres, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), demonstration farms and soil-health monitoring systems. Farmers should also receive financial support during the transition to natural farming.
- Strengthen scientific research: ICAR, State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) should conduct more region-specific research on crop yields, soil health, pest management, water use and the long-term benefits of natural farming.
- Improve market access: Farmers need reliable market linkages, certification support, value-chain development, branding and suitable procurement systems so that naturally farmed products can reach consumers and farmers can earn better returns.
- Link natural farming with climate and rural development: Natural farming should be integrated with programmes related to climate adaptation, water conservation, soil health, rural employment and farmer livelihoods through better coordination between government departments.
- Adopt a gradual and evidence-based approach: The shift towards natural farming should happen in phases, based on scientific evidence and local conditions. Sudden policy changes should be avoided so that farmers have enough time, knowledge and financial support to adapt.
Conclusion
Natural farming can play an important role in making Indian agriculture more sustainable, affordable and climate-resilient. By reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers and costly external inputs, it can help improve soil health, conserve water and reduce farming costs. However, its large-scale adoption will require more than government schemes—it needs scientific research, farmer training, financial support, strong institutions, better market access and assured value chains. A gradual, region-specific and evidence-based approach can help India expand natural farming while protecting farmer incomes, food security and the long-term health of the environment.
